Holland Applied Technologies, located in Burr Ridge IL, is a leader in the sanitary process/equipment industry. We fabricate and distribute sanitary equipment and systems for the food, pharmaceutical, personal care, and beverage industries.

Overview
The Sr. Application Engineer will act as the subject matter expert for our customers, providing technical guidance on equipment selection, system integration, and process optimization.

This role combines engineering expertise with customer-facing responsibilities - supporting process design, sizing and specification of sanitary equipment, preparing detailed proposals, and partnering closely with our Sales and Engineering teams.

Responsibilities
Engineering & Technical Support

• Lead technical discussions with customers, integrators, and engineering firms to understand process goals, sanitary requirements, and operating conditions.
• Serve as the primary technical resource throughout the project lifecycle—from concept development through installation support.
• Select and size sanitary pumps, valves, heat exchangers, mixers, instrumentation, and related process equipment aligned with customer requirements and industry standards.
• Interpret customer specifications, P&IDs, datasheets, and drawings to develop accurate and optimized equipment recommendations.
• Collaborate with plant managers, engineers, and project teams to evaluate process challenges and propose cost effective, high reliability solutions.
• Conduct technical presentations and product trainings—highlighting capabilities of Holland’s product lines, OEM partners, and custom-engineered offerings.
• Provide mentorship to junior application engineers and inside sales team members.
• Travel to customer locations, OEMs, and integrators as required (20–30%).

Commercial & Sales Support

• Review and qualify vendor quotations to ensure alignment with technical, sanitary, and commercial requirements.
• Prepare detailed pricing proposals for Holland’s sanitary equipment lines, custom assemblies, and value added fabrication capabilities.
• Support the Outside Sales Team by developing timely, accurate quotations and providing technical guidance during customer engagements.
• Contribute to project handoffs, documentation, and internal communication to ensure seamless execution.
• Perform other engineering or sales related tasks as needed in a growing organization.

Required Skills and Abilities

• High attention to detail and commitment to technical accuracy.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to guide customers and internal teams.
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to manage multiple active projects.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, growing manufacturing and technical sales environment.
• Proactive, adaptable, and solutions-oriented.

Education and Preferred Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Biological Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in sanitary process systems, fluid handling, pumps/valves, or related process equipment industries.
• Strong understanding of sanitary design principles, stainless steel fabrication, fluid dynamics, and process system integration.
• Proven ability to lead customer-facing engineering projects from concept through delivery.
• Excellent technical writing, presentation, and communication skills with both technical and non technical audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with AutoCAD or similar process design/drafting tools preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs. occasionally

Pay and Benefits
The expected base salary range for this role is $110,000 - $130,000. Please note, range is based upon factors including candidate skills, experience and qualifications, education, certifications, as well as market and business considerations. The range listed is just one component of our total compensation package for employees. This position is also bonus eligible, which is based on individual performance targets.

Benefits include the following: Medical insurance is available for full time employees and their dependents through Blue Cross Blue Shield. There are various options available including HSA and PPO plans. Similarly, dental, vision, and disability coverages are also available. The company provides full time employees with life insurance and offers employees the ability to purchase additional voluntary supplemental insurance as well. The Company also offers 401k with matching employer contributions along with a discretionary profit-sharing benefit to eligible employees.